The body of burglar Henry Vincent laid in an open casket for three days so family and friends could pay their respects, a mourner has revealed.

The criminal, 37, was kept beneath a DIY gazebo of green and blue tarpaulin outside his mum’s home since Tuesday so mourners could pay their respects.

A man blocks South Park Crescent, Hither Green, with his car.

He was stabbed to death with his own screwdriver by hero pensioner Richard Osborne-Brooks on April 3.

In a £100,000 funeral two pall bearers led a silver hearse followed by eight black Mercedes with flowers on top including a flower arrangements of an open topped sports car, a van, caravan and a boxing ring.

Hour before the cortege left dozens of close family and friends gathered at his mother’s home in Swanley, Kent, before following the hearse to the church.

A Scotland Yard spokesperson said: “The Metropolitan Police has been informed by the organisers of plans for the funeral of Henry Vincent due to take place on Thursday, 3 May.

“We have been told that a large number of people may attend, and an appropriate policing plan has been put in place in consultation with Kent Police and the relevant local authorities.

“It is not for the Metropolitan Police to disclose funeral arrangements – when and where the funeral is being held, and the route of the funeral procession.

“It is not unusual for large funeral processions to cause traffic disruption. Any impact will be managed by traffic officers, and borough officers will also be deployed at key locations. No road closures have been requested.

“We are aware of reports that the procession will pass by South Park Crescent. At this time, our understanding is that the procession is not due to enter Lewisham.

“However, to provide community reassurance, there will be high-visibility patrols in the Hither Green and South Park Crescent area on the day of the funeral.”

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